HISTORY

Our family’s history in racing began with a special mare: Solistin. She awakened our close connection to these fascinating horses – a passion that remains alive to this day.

This was followed by unforgettable names that will always remain part of the family for us, such as the stallion Arbed (Agio/Alameda) from the Schlenderhan stud farm, who was our first winner. Panvarano, born in Ireland in 1969, whom we bought at auction in Baden-Baden and who was victorious the very next day. What a joy! Surprised and excited, we then experienced our first victory ceremony in Baden-Baden.

Then there was our powerful Nabob and our elegant and fast Herzdame from the Doschhof stud farm. We also celebrated several victories with her. All of these horses have given us joy, excitement, and lasting memories.

With our mare Sasse (Alpenkönig/Sagitta), whom we also bought at the auction in Baden-Baden and who also won there, we once again learned what extraordinary speed and fighting spirit mean – but also health and strength. With her, we finally fulfilled our dream of breeding ourselves. She gave us seven healthy foals – Surinam, Severin, Sassoferrato, Seraphim, Sepiar, Sandro Botticelli, and Santi Raffaelo. Accompanying their careers and witnessing their development was a great gift for us. Under the ownership and training of Josef Ressmann, they were lovingly accustomed to the saddle and trained—an approach that required a great deal of passion and closeness to each individual horse. In particular, her two sons and full brothers (Tarik): Surinam and Severin achieved numerous victories. With additional broodmares such as Farina and Orientalin, our horse family grew, which continues to fulfill and shape us to this day. Every horse is part of our history – and part of our deep fascination with racing.

For us, it was always a family event when one of our horses raced. Even as little girls, we were sometimes allowed to lead the noble horses around the parade ring, filled with pride.

The race itself was always incredibly exciting, joyful, and an incomparable experience—every race simply writes its own story. And, of course, there were also disappointments and sadness—but together and with plenty of optimism, we always moved on. And, of course, we were all happily ready when it came time to accept the prize.

These unforgettable moments continue to shape us to this day.

From the archive

Nabob

Marten Prize 1800 m
February 25, 1978

First place: Nabob, Rudolf; Second place: Saladin

Severin

Krefeld Advent Prize 1400 m
December 11, 1988

First place: Severin Platz (A. Boschert)

Sensation at the Seckenheim Forest Racecourse

The newspaper article reports on the surprising victory of the stallion Severin. Under trainer Horst Rudolph and jockey Bauer, the Mannheim-based horse, a massive outsider, won his first major race – causing a true sensation at the Seckenheim Forest Racecourse. This unexpected performance brought Severin considerable attention and great joy to those around him.

Newspaper article from 1978

2022 sees a new beginning –
a passionate new start

After a break of almost 30 years, the passion for breeding racehorses is once again taking priority in the Ressmann family’s life. With great conviction, a great deal of respect for the past, and a clear vision for the future, the family is embarking on a new chapter characterized by passion, experience, and solidarity.

With this new start, Elena Ressmann is following in the footsteps of her father, Josef Ressmann. For many years, he was not only a breeder but also an owner-trainer and has an exceptionally deep knowledge of bloodlines, performance, and the anatomy of racehorses. Today, this foundation forms the basis for all breeding decisions – supported by experience, care, and high quality standards.

The conscious re-entry is taking place with two broodmares that combine athletic performance and breeding substance:

Wishing Well (GB) has impressively proven her class on the racetrack. With two wins and 17 placings, she stands for consistency, toughness, and willingness to perform. Her pedigree with Riverman also qualifies her particularly well for breeding and makes her a valuable pillar of the new breeding program.

Lady Vivian (FR) stands for racing success in Germany and combines the best bloodlines with a strong will to win. Her athletic, harmonious conformation underlines her quality and makes her a mare who meets sporting and breeding expectations in equal measure.

What drives this project is close family support. Decisions are made together, joy is shared—and even in challenging moments, the family stands together. It is precisely this cohesion that gives the breeding program its particular strength.

Thus, 2022 marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Ressmann family: with passion, responsibility, and a firm commitment to building on past values and successfully carrying them into the future.